Back-to-school season isn’t just about buying school supplies, it’s also one of the busiest times of year for youth sports and activities! These sports and activities do more than just fill-up our schedules, they benefit our kids in important ways. Check out this post from SDSU Extension about how physical activity supports kids’ mental health and behavior.
Looking for even more sports and activities? Be sure to browse our Youth Sports & Activities Guide (Sponsored by SDSU Extension), where you’ll find over a hundred local sports and activities available throughout the Sioux Falls area.
From volleyball to theater auditions and basketball sign-ups, here’s a look at the upcoming registration deadlines parents should have on their radar.
August Deadlines
Big Sioux Youth Sports Fall Volleyball
Volleyball season is almost here! Big Sioux Youth Sports offers a recreational volleyball league that helps young athletes build fundamental skills, confidence, and teamwork in a fun environment. If your child is interested in playing this fall, now is the time to register.
Deadline: August 1
Sanford Sports Fall Youth Volleyball League
Sanford Sports’ Fall Youth Volleyball League is another great option for players looking to continue developing their skills through practices and games during the fall season. The league is open to a variety of experience levels, making it a great fit for both new and returning players.
Deadline: August 1
South Dakota FCA Girls-Only Flag Football
Girls flag football continues to grow across South Dakota! This league is open to girls interested in learning the game in a fun, encouraging environment while developing football skills, teamwork, and confidence.
Registration Deadline: August 3 (Registrations after July 15, 2026 will incur a $25 late fee)
Spotlight Theatre Fall Auditions
Have a child who loves to sing, dance, or perform? Spotlight Theatre Company’s fall auditions are a wonderful opportunity for young performers to take the stage. This season’s productions include The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, Circus Stars, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. No matter their level of experience, auditions are a great way for kids to build confidence, creativity, and friendships.
Audition Dates: August 30–31
Dakota Spirit Cheer
Whether your child is brand new to cheer or interested in competitive teams, Dakota Spirit offers programs for every age and skill level. Families can attend an Open House to meet coaches, tour the facility, and learn about team options before registering.
Open House: August 5
Registration: Ongoing for tumbling classes and many cheer programs.
Sioux Falls Flyers Youth Hockey
If your child is ready to hit the ice this winter, now is the time to register with the Sioux Falls Flyers Youth Hockey Association! The Flyers offer programs for players of all skill levels, from first-time skaters to competitive travel teams. Registration is completed through USA Hockey and the Sioux Falls Youth Hockey Association.
Travel League Registration Deadline: August 10
City League Registration Deadline: September 21
Mini-Atoms (4-year-olds): Registration opens in early August with a November 1 deadline.
Atom Short Session (ages 5-6): Registration opens in mid-August with a December 20 deadline.
September Deadlines
Sanford Sports Fall Softball Instructional League
Looking for extra reps this fall? Sanford Sports’ Fall Softball Instructional League gives players additional game experience while continuing to develop hitting, fielding, pitching, and teamwork throughout the season. The league runs from August 14 through September 18.
Registration Deadline: Currently open with no deadline given
YMCA Y-Force Basketball
The YMCA Y-Force Basketball program gives kids the opportunity to learn the game in a positive, developmental environment. With practices focused on skill-building and teamwork, it’s a favorite option for families throughout the Sioux Falls area.
Registration Deadline: September 16
Big Sioux Youth Sports Basketball
It may seem early to think about basketball, but registration opens long before the first tip-off. Big Sioux’s recreational basketball league is one of the area’s most popular winter sports programs, helping players develop skills while having fun with teammates.
Registration Deadline: September 19
Tea Area Youth Basketball
Families in the Tea area should also watch for youth basketball registration, which typically takes place during September before practices begin later in the fall. This program is only open to Kindergarten and 1st grade students.
Expected Registration Deadline: Late September
Sanford Sports Fall Baseball League
Baseball season doesn’t have to end when summer does. Sanford Sports’ Fall Baseball League provides additional opportunities for players to continue developing their skills through practices and games during the offseason. This league is for boys ages 10-14. This program runs September 8 – October 3.
Registration Deadline: Registration is currently open with no deadline given
First Tee – Sioux Falls
If your child has been interested in learning golf, keep an eye on First Tee Sioux Falls. Their programs combine golf instruction with life skills and character development, making them a unique activity option for elementary and middle school students.
Fall Registration Information: Coming in August
Club Tryouts
Sanford Sports Softball Academy Tryouts
Girls interested in playing competitive softball for the 2026-27 season can try out for Sanford Sports Academy teams. Tryouts are available for ages 10U through 18U and are held at the Sanford Diamonds. A makeup tryout is also available for families with scheduling conflicts.
Tryout Dates:
- August 5 – 10U & 12U
- August 6 – 14U, 16U & 18U
- August 10 – Makeup Tryouts
Tea Baseball Association (TBA) Competitive Teams
For players looking to take the next step beyond recreational baseball, the Tea Baseball Association (TBA) offers competitive teams for athletes in 3rd through 6th grade.
Tryout Date: Monday, August 3
Who Can Try Out: Players entering 3rd–6th grade who attend the Tea Area School District.
Tiger Softball Club Tryouts
Tiger Softball Club will also hold tryouts for its competitive travel teams. The organization offers opportunities for athletes looking to continue developing their skills in a competitive environment.
Tryout Dates: August 3, 4, and 5. Registration is required before attending.
Catalyst Softball Open Tryouts
Catalyst Softball is hosting open tryouts for players interested in joining one of its competitive travel teams. If your family can’t attend the scheduled tryout, the organization also offers private or small-group tryouts by request.
Tryout Information: Open Tryouts are on August 3rd and 4th in Sioux Falls
Sanford Sports Baseball Academy Tryouts
Players interested in joining Sanford Sports Academy baseball teams for the 2026-27 season can attend August tryouts. Teams are available for a variety of age groups and focus on player development and competitive play.
Tryout Dates: August 6–12
You Got This!
We know that life gets busy with sports and activities, but we also know how rewarding it is watching your child learn new things, challenge themselves, and grow as both a person and an athlete.
Remember to check out our Youth Sports and Activities Guide, sponsored by SDSU Extension, for even more great options in the Sioux Falls Area!
